Audio Sermons
Showing Leadership in a time of Crisis (I)
Building Up the Church of Christ:
Showing Leadership in a Time of Crisis
Life B-P Church Worship Service I & II, 17th December 2023
Text: Acts 27:1-44
Introduction
Paul was a person in custody when on board the Roman ship as recorded in Acts chapter 27. During the tempestuous journey to Rome, he intervened four times. He showed us leadership in a time of crisis. In this context, leadership is seen as the courage to take initiative and make a difference in service to the Lord.
Summary
The four points of leadership derived from Paul’s interventions are summarized as seen. Using the first letter of each point, we can re-order to achieve ‘BEST’, which is what is needed from us in a time of need.
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Self-motivated (v.9-11) |
1. A Leader is trustworthy – Paul earned the trust of the Roman centurion 2. A Leader takes the initiative – Paul recognised the danger of sailing off from Fair Havens and pointed it out (v.10) 3. A Leader uses good judgment – The captain’s decision to leave Fair Havens was not made with good judgment (v.11) |
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Bible-based service (v.20-26) |
4. A Leader speaks with authority – Paul spoke as one who knew and served God (vv.23,24) 5. A Leader strengthens others – Paul gave the passengers words of encouragement (v.25a) 6. A Leader is optimistic and enthusiastic – Paul believed that God will fulfil His promise (v.25b) |
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Talents are for use (v.30-32) |
7. A Leader never compromises the absolutes – Paul stopped the sailors from failing to perform their duty (v.31) |
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Encourage others (v.33-36) |
8. A Leader focuses on objectives, not obstacles – Paul urged the passengers to eat bread in order to survive (v.34) 9. A Leader empowers by example – Paul himself gave thanks and ate the bread (v.35) |
We need to ask critically, is the Church facing a crisis? What about the local Church? Are we giving our best to the Lord during this time of need?
Reflection Questions
- What role are you playing as a member of the Church? Have you considered yourself a leader in your own right in our Church?
- What kind of issues do you think are plaguing our Church and hampering our growth?
- In what areas can you make a difference?